Fifth place will have to suffice for Arsenal, but at least they were able to depart with a reminder of the progress this season has brought. It became clear quickly enough that there was to be no miracle at Carrow Road and there will be lingering regret that, given a golden opportunity, they let Champions League qualification slip from a position of such advantage.
But this was totally dominant showing against an awful Everton who, coming off Thursday’s emotional high, never showed the slightest appetite for a contest. The biggest surprise was that Frank Lampard’s side managed a goal through Donny van de Beek. By then Gabriel Martinelli, with a penalty, and Eddie Nketiah had already scored; Cedric Soares, Gabriel Magalhães and Martin Ødegaard added the rest, and perhaps Mikel Arteta will wish a few of those strikes had been shared around at times of greater need.
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